Past: Lisa Noto Meditation Classes
Image Description: Lisa Noto Meditation Classes. Pay-what-you-can classes offered on a bi-monthly basis.
Who We Are
Soldiers of Creation is a gender-inclusive socially-conscious social enterprise that focuses on providing a safe space for survivors and supporters of sexual assault to connect, reclaim their voice, and empower each other. We aim to introduce survivors and allies dealing with trauma caused by sexual assault to alternative methods of healing. We were thrilled to partner with Lisa Noto for these meditation classes. This is an opportunity to come to learn a new skill, meet other survivors, and network with members of this growing community of love.
Workshop Details
Starting on Thursday, October, 8th, 2020, Soldiers of Creation partnered with Lisa of LISA NOTO to offer Pay-What-You-Can, guided meditation classes to sexual assault survivors and allies seeking to explore alternative methods of healing. The one hour meditation classes were offered through Zoom twice a month from October to December 2020. They occurred on Thursday or Saturday at either 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM EST.
We at SOC x LISA NOTO understand how it can be challenging to get into the right headspace to meditate. However, through this partnership, we hoped to guide new practitioners into the practice with support and care. Since meditation should be ongoing in order to truly reap its benefits, we offered multiple classes so that attendees could ease into developing a regular meditation routine.
Workshop Summary
Each one hour class started off with some introductions and technical housekeeping - making sure all cameras and mics were good to go, letting attendees know general rules, and having SOC Team Member Cynthia (Event Ops Manager) introduce herself and and SOC. After, Cynthia would hand over the metaphorical mic to Lisa, our star host!
Lisa helped prepare everyone for the meditation session by talking a little bit about her company and how she got into meditation. She shared the ways in which a regular meditation practice personally helped her by teaching her how to slow down, be aware, and breathe mindfully. During this time, event attendees were able to ask Lisa questions through the chat window, and we were able to have a Q&A session if desired.
We would try to meditate together as Lisa guided us through proper form, encouraging us to be mindful of our posture and breathing. These guided meditations sessions would last approximately thirty minutes. Once each meditation session ended, the group would discuss how they felt afterwards, and Lisa would encourage everyone to set aside a few minutes each day to meditate.
After Lisa’s closing remarks, Cynthia would provide the registration link for the next session in the chat window (with the exception of the last class). This way, if attendees found the classes helpful, they could easily sign up for the next one.
Workshop Partners: Lisa Noto
LISA NOTO is a wellness enthusiast. At the age of 12, she started as a public figure on television. A few years later, she began a 20-year career as a model. She learned a lot about make-up and the beauty tips of professional make-up artists. The importance of physical activity and health in her life led her to study naturopathy. A devotee of yoga and meditation, she finds the balance between her life as an entrepreneur, mother and wife through a simple lifestyle based on the principles of holistic health and well-being. Her company also becomes her vehicle for change, respect for nature and all those who live on our planet.
THE BRAND was founded in Montreal in 2013. Lisa Noto offers natural cosmetics with plant-based ingredients, vegetable oils and vitamins have a real positive impact on your skin's health. The products are designed to give you a feeling of well-being on a daily basis. It is all about a versatile beauty ritual that cares for, protects and regenerates your skin while giving it radiance and beauty. The eco-conscious process respects the planet and those who inhabit it.
Class Highlights
Learning about meditation techniques with regards to position, breathing, and visualization
Having discussions about the positive effects of slowing down, grounding, and being aware of the present moment
Learning the foundational skills to start our own regular meditation practice
What We Learned
Through these classes, we learned about and potentially experienced the benefits of a regular meditation practice. For many, meditation helped us to ground into the present moment. Deep breathing also helped many of us feel more relaxed. At the end of each session, most people shared that they felt lighter and calmer, in comparison to the start of the session. These bi-monthly, PWYC guided meditation sessions with Lisa taught us the foundation to start our own regular meditation routine.